Love After Leaving: No Regret (Agnes and Raymond) novel Chapter 332

Grandridge's business elite, old-money heirs, and corporate representatives used the occasion to network and promote their brands.

Carmen and Agnes stood with champagne flutes, chatting happily on the deck.

Then Vivian approached, glass in hand, her entourage of socialites in tow.

Her face was all warmth. "Ms. Sinclair, what a coincidence! You're here for the island retreat, too?"

Agnes was mildly surprised, but responded politely. "Small world, Ms. Brogdon."

Vivian recognized Carmen immediately—the fierce woman who'd blocked her at the hospital.

She was still bitter, but she kept the facade.

"Ms. Fletcher, you're here as well."

Carmen gave her a flat, dripping-with-disdain hum. "Mm-hm."

Vivian cheerfully introduced her socialite friends.

They were eager to chat with Agnes and Carmen.

But Carmen cut Vivian off mid-sentence.

"Sorry, ladies. We have somewhere to be. Enjoy yourselves."

She grabbed Agnes's arm and steered her to the other end of the deck.

Once they were gone, the socialites clustered around Vivian.

"Wow, rude much? Vivian was so sweet to them, and they just blew us off!"

"Exactly! That woman ruined Vivian's engagement party, and Vivian was gracious enough to let it go.

"Who does she think she is? Ungrateful little homewrecker."

"Oh, so that's her? I've heard she's dangerous. A real player.

"Young, old, male, female—once she sinks her claws in, nobody gets out clean."

"Seriously? How?"

"Money. Power. She targets wealthy families, drains them dry, then moves on to the next.

"Look at her—she can afford an event like this. That tells you how much she's already taken."

"That's horrible! Are men blind?"

"She's got the looks. That's her weapon.

"Beauty kills. And these idiot men are all the same—see a pretty face and lose all higher brain function."

One of the socialites was ranting with full conviction when the girl beside her nudged her with an elbow.

Vivian's eyes glistened. Her voice cracked.

"I just wasn't good enough. It was my engagement that fell apart. I was too arrogant."

"Nonsense! You're the Vivian! In looks, in pedigree, in family standing—who in Grandridge can even compete?"

"Absolutely. Neal doesn't deserve you. He has terrible taste, falling for some low-class woman like that. It's revolting!"

"Vivian, listen to me. That woman crashed your engagement on purpose.

"She played the victim. Didn't fight, didn't argue, made Neal feel sorry for her. She's calculating, manipulative—she's got tricks for days!

"Vivian, you need to be careful around her. Stay away from people like that."

"You even tried to introduce her to us. Vivian, you're too kind."

Vivian sniffled. "She's really not that kind of person. She's lovely. That's why I wanted you to meet her."

"You sweet, naive girl. That's exactly how people like her get you."

One of the socialites—Tiffany—flashed a wicked grin.

"I'd love to meet this woman. See what she's really made of.

"Don't worry, Vivian. By tonight, I'll have settled the score for you."